The brain is a complex and amazing organ controlling
everything in your body, from organ functions, to limb movements, to processing
emotions―the list goes on! This is why caring for your brain is no less
important than caring for the rest of your body.
Just as people go to the gym or maintain
healthy diets to feel their best and prevent disease, we should also be
performing certain activities to prevent or slow the onset of memory loss and
maintain a healthy brain. So, what can you do to keep a fit mind?
Keep
That Brain Stimulated
Giving your mind a work-out of its own has
been shown to be a huge part of maintaining a healthy brain. According to a
2003 article published in the Canadian
Journal of CME, there is a direct relationship between mental activity and
brain development, as well as a direct link between this type of activity and
preventing brain dementia.
There are many ways to keep yourself
mentally stimulated on a regular basis; read in your spare time, play mentally
stimulating games such as Sudoku, crosswords, bridge, or chess, practice memory
exercises, and commit to lifelong learning by learning a new language or
registering for a course at your local adult center, senior center, or
community college.
Stay
Physically Active
In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Clinical Neurology,
researchers state that physical exercise can be effective in diminishing or
limiting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, exercise
that raises your heart rate will increase the blood flow to your brain and
throughout your body, which triggers numerous neurobiological mechanisms in the
brain tissues. The researchers also mention that physical exercise can maintain
and even improve cognitive and motor functions in healthy individuals.
Don’t disregard this one if you have some
physical limitations. Joining the gym is not the only way to keep your body
moving; try walking, swimming, a level-appropriate aerobics class, dance class,
or gardening. The main point here is to get 30 minutes of exercise at least
three times a week to achieve regular brain stimulation. Just be sure to consult
with your doctor before trying anything you’re not sure about.
Be
a Social Butterfly
Keeping strong social connections is
equally important for the mind. A 2002 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology
demonstrated that a rich social network and mentally stimulating activities may
protect against dementia and preserve mental functioning in the elderly. You
might want to consider joining a local club of interest, volunteering, or going
out with a friend to see a movie or visit a museum.
What should we be taking away from all
this? Engaging in mental, physical, and social activities is vital, even when
we are young. On the other hand, there is still much that you can do as a
senior. Keep the ball in your court and start taking control of your mental
health today, rather than waiting for your doctor to advise you to make
lifestyle changes.
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